The Yankee Xpress North April 25, 2025

NORTH EDITION: Auburn & Oxford

CROSSTOWN ADS & BUSINESS NEWS

Town Deliberates on Fire

Station Project

BY JANET STOICA

jstoica@TheYankeeXpress.com

On Thursday, April 24, at 6

p.m., an informational public

meeting about the town’s new

fire station will be held at the Auburn

Elks building located at 754

Southbridge Street in Auburn. The

Fire Station Building Committee,

Tecton Architects, and LeftField

project managers, will present the

latest design, floor plans, project

discussion, and tax impacts to

interested Auburn residents.

Tours of the West Street Fire

Station will also be available. The

proposed new building located at

the junction of Prospect Street and

Route 20 westbound is the replacement

for the West Street Station 2,

formerly a school building, which

will revert back to school property

once the new station goes online.

The Auburn Street Station will then

become Station 2.

According to the town’s website,

town meeting members in 2024

voted overwhelmingly to approve

$4.6 million to purchase the

Prospect Street property (formerly

known as Chuck’s Steak House).

The former business has been

demolished and the empty lot now

awaits construction of the town’s

newest municipal building.

The Town has been working

with Tecton Architects since 2018

on the conceptual design of a new

fire station. The Town Manager

appointed a committee of Auburn

residents with various backgrounds

known as the Fire Station Building

Committee (FSBC). The 12

member committee sponsored

a warrant article at the fall Town

Meeting on November 13, 2024

to re-appropriate available funds

from the 10 Prospect St. demolition

project to hire an Owners Project

Manager (OPM). That article was

approved and the committee posted

a Request for Qualifications (RFQ)

seeking bids for a qualified OPM.

They conducted public interviews

in mid-December and selected

LeftField, an OPM company based

in Boston, to manage the project.

The OPM is now assisting with

the final stages of design development

of the building. After several

iterations, the FSBC has approved a

conceptual design of the building.

The FSBC held a “Design Charrette”

on Tuesday January 21 to encourage

public participation so they

could hear thoughts on the exterior

design and materials. A survey was

available to the public on the FSBC

webpage to hear from residents

who were not able to be at the charrette

in person. The survey results

were presented to the FSBC on

February 18 and as a result of the

public feedback Tecton made several

changes to the exterior design

of the building to give it a more

“traditional” look which is what the

public expressed they wanted. The

FSBC will work closely with Tecton

Architects and OPM on a proposal

that will seek full project approval

through a Debt Exclusion Vote on

May 20 to design, construct, equip

and furnish a new Fire Headquarters.

The total project cost is estimated

at $31 million. This includes

an additional million to account

for any increases in steel prices

from potential tariffs. The Finance

Committee and Select Board

voted unanimously to recommend

the use of $8 million from cash

reserves to reduce the borrowing

amount on tax payers. The

FIRE STATION

continued on page 2

BUDGET

continued on page 2

PRSRT STD

ECRWSS

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PAID

Boston, MA

Permit No. 55800

April 25, 2025

Oxford Roundabout

Construction at

Richardson Corner Soon

and Road Closings

BY JANET STOICA


The Massachusetts Dept. of

Transportation (DOT) has

advised there will be Route 20

lane and road closures at the Route

20 and Oxbow Road intersection.

The closures began April 14.

According to the DOT website,

Stage 1 involves temporary single

lane closures in each direction on

Route 20, between Oak Drive and

Pioneer Drive in Oxford. While the

right lane of Route 20 eastbound

and westbound are closed, traffic

will be shifted towards the center

of the roadway. Stage 1 will be in

place for approximately three weeks

while crews construct the northern

and southern portions of the

roundabout at Oxbow Road.

Stage 2 will begin immediately

following the completion of the

northern and southern portions of

the roundabout and will be in place

for approximately three weeks. This

stage will shift traffic on Route 20

eastbound and westbound from the

center of the roadway to the outside

lanes of the roundabout. In this

stage, traffic will need to slow their

speeds to 15 miles per hour while

approaching the new roundabout

to travel through the intersection.

To support construction of the

roundabout, the Mass. DOT will

implement a temporary overnight

closure of Route 20 eastbound,

between Oxbow Road and Leicester

Auburn’s Fiscal 2026 Budget is 2.10% Increase

BY JANET STOICA


With many towns and cities

in the midst of their next

fiscal year budgeting,

Auburn’s Interim Town Manager

Dori Vecchio advises that the next

fiscal year’s budget increase beginning

July 1 and running through

June 30, 2026 is a 2.10% increase of

$1,770,048.

“There will be a pre-town

meeting on Tuesday, April 29, for

Auburn Town Meeting Members

to review the town warrant,” said

Vecchio, “there are 40 articles on

our warrant which includes many

citizens’ petitions and zoning

changes as well as a moratorium on

multi-family home construction.

We are asking the Attorney General

to allow our town a six-month

moratorium on multi-family home

construction, so we may work out

future planning for multi-family

housing as part of our town planning.”

The pause is a request that no

new building permits be issued for

180 days so that a housing project

plan may be reviewed along with

design requirements. The request is

to draft additional zoning amendments

as well as to conduct zoning

workshops for Auburn residents.

“We are not against housing,”

stated Vecchio, “we just want to

ensure zoning and guidelines are

all completed properly. We are very

supportive of additional housing

but many requests are coming

in right now. We currently have

Albert Street, Athens Street, Perry

Place, and Wallace Avenue which

are all in.”

Auburn’s Annual Town Meeting

will be held on Tuesday, May

6 at 6 p.m. in the Auburn High

School Auditorium. Annual Town

Elections will be held on Tuesday,

May 20, from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. at the

Auburn High School Gym.

“We are also gearing up for our

Robert Goddard Memorial Event

to be held on the weekend of

March 14 and 15, 2026, said Vecchio,

“we have a town group getting

together along with town employ-

Street, from 8:00 p.m. on Friday,

April 25 through 7:00 a.m. on

Saturday, April 26. Traffic will be

detoured.

Emergency vehicles will have

access at all times and local access

will be provided during the temporary

closure. Police details will be

used to control traffic at major intersections

along the detour route.

Detour Routes for April 25 and

26 are as follows: Eastbound traffic,

can use the following detour:

• Turn left onto Oxbow Road,

then turn left onto Hammond Hill

Road

• Turn right onto Stafford Street

• Turn right onto Leicester Street

(Route 56)

• Turn left onto Route 20 and

continue to your destination

Weather and unexpected circumstances

make all construction

activities subject to change without

notice

Mass. DOT is redesigning

and reconstructing Route 20 in

Charlton and Oxford to improve

safety and traffic operations. Proposed

work includes widening the

roadway, replacing bridges over the

Little River and the French River,

adding sidewalks and shared use

paths, installing a median barrier,

improving safety and traffic operations

at various intersections, and

enhancing storm-water treatment.

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2 The Yankee Xpress • www.theyankeexpress.com • April 25, 2025

FIRE STATION

continued from page 1

borrowing for the project would

be $23 million bringing the cost

to $46.73 per quarter and $186.93

annually based on the median assessed

home value of $394,800. The

use of $8 million in cash reserves

will bring the savings on interest

to over $3 million. The full amount

of the borrowing would not occur

immediately so this amount would

BUDGET


ees to schedule two days of events

to properly celebrate the 100-year

anniversary of Robert Goddard’s

successful rocket launch.”

Goddard launched the first

successful rocket using liquid fuel

and is said to be as significant to

not hit the quarterly tax bill until

fiscal year 2028.

All administrative functions will

move to the new building which

will also have expansion capabilities

on its west side. With much

foresight, an additional $1 million

was built into the new building’s

budget in the event of tariffs on

steel. Fingers crossed that new

steel tariff costs put in place by our

country’s current president will not

affect the budget.

history as the Wright Brothers’

plane flight in Kitty Hawk, North

Carolina. According to Road Trip

New England, “Robert Goddard

launched the world’s first liquidfueled

rocket from a snowy field

on his aunt’s farm in Auburn. This

first step into outer space came just

23 years after the Wright Brothers’

first flight and, within a lifetime,

man would walk on the moon.”

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Get The Led Out Returns with

two shows at Indian Ranch

Due to popular demand,

Indian Ranch in Webster,

MA has added a second show

with Get The Led Out on Friday,

August 22, 2025 and Aaron Lewis

and The Stateliners on Saturday,

August 23, 2025 as part of the

White Claw Summer Concert

Series. Tickets for both shows go

on sale Friday, April 25.

From the bombastic and epic,

to the folky and mystical, Get The

Led Out (GTLO) have captured the

essence of the recorded music of

Led Zeppelin and brought it to the

concert stage. The Philadelphiabased

group consists of six veteran

musicians intent on delivering

Led Zeppelin live, like you’ve

never heard before. Utilizing the

multi-instrumentalists at their

disposal, GTLO re-create the songs

in all their depth and glory with

the studio overdubs that Zeppelin

themselves never performed.

When you hear three guitars on

the album...GTLO delivers three

guitarists on stage. No wigs or

fake English accents, GTLO brings

what the audience wants...a high

energy Zeppelin concert with an

honest, heart- thumping intensity.

A GTLO concert mimics

the “light and shade” that are

the embodiment of “The Mighty

Zep.” Whether it’s the passion and

fury with which they deliver the

blues-soaked, groove- driven rock

anthems, it’s their attention to

detail and nuance that makes a Get

The Led Out performance a truly

awe-inspiring event!

Aaron Lewis, the Vermont-born

powerhouse first found success

with Staind – the 2000s-era hard

rockers who injected meditative

muscle into an era better known

for mindless aggression. But while

that band is still very much alive, it

was never enough to satisfy Lewis’

creative drive. Embracing his roots

to earn a rare second round of success,

a series of solo Country projects

have led to two No. 1 Billboard

Country Album debuts: “Town

Line” (2011) and “Sinner”(2016).

He also had a platinmu collaboration

with heroes George Jones and

Charlie Daniels (“Country Boy”),

and a gold-certified Billboard

No. 1 with “Am I The Only One”

in 2021. Lewis’ 2022 solo album

followed suit, with “Frayed at Both

Ends” emerging as the best-selling

Country album in America but

he never wrote songs for the stats.

No matter the sonic setting, Lewis

writes and sings to get his truth out

and his latest album “The Hill”) is

no different.

For tickets: visit indianranch.

com or call 1-800-514-ETIX (3849)

or at the Indian Ranch Box Office.

All events are rain or shine. No

refunds. Indian Ranch is located at

200 Gore Road, Webster outside of

Worcester and less than an hour’s

drive from Boston, Providence,

Hartford and Springfield..

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April 25, 2025 • www.theyankeexpress.com • The Yankee Xpress 3

Auburn’s First Librarian

The History of the Auburn Town Library - Part 3

BY HELEN POIRIER

ealth the summer for Program

10 weeks when

she was 19 yrs. old. It was the only

ty since 1985

time, according to the town reports,

that she taught for the town.

erated

This is a little late for Women’s

History Month, but it’s a story

worth telling, none the less.

Abby B. Shute was Auburn’s first

long term librarian, and she helped

to develop the free public library in

Auburn.

Abby was born May 4, 1860, to

Charles and Eliza Jane (Wellman)

Shute. They lived on Malvern St.

in Worcester where her father was

listed as a carpenter on the 1860

census. At that time Abby had a

sister, Mary, a brother, Charles Jr.

and a stepsister, Elizabeth, whose

mother had passed away about

1849. There was a brother, Arthur,

who died at two and William Augusta

who came along later.

Abby graduated from the State

Normal School, which is now

Worcester State University. Abby

did one term of teaching in 1879

at the #2 School in Auburn during

Then she taught in the Worcester

public school system for 20 years.

She was hired as head librarian

in 1907 and held that position for

20 years before retiring in 1927.

During that time, Abby worked

diligently to make the Auburn Free

Public Library the best it could

be even though it was only open

two days a week. She adopted the Abby B.Shute was Auburn's first librarian.

Dewey Decimal System of cataloging

books and assisted with creating

a branch at Stoneville School. she worked for the majority of her

Abby helped to set up and where

In 1911, Leander Merriam donated career as head librarian.

the funds to have a separate building

erected for the Merriam carried on long after she retired.

Abby started many programs that

Library to honor his late parents She developed lectures and welcomed

civic groups to hold

Stay

and

healthy,

sister. This

socialize,

is the building

make

that

friends!

meetings

at the library, so it became

a community gathering place.

Reading programs for children

were developed with certificates

of achievement given out to those

who exceed the expectations of the

state library association for summer

reading.

During the First World War, Auburn’s

public library was the place

to get information about conserving

fuel and food, and supporting

the military. Additionally, in March

1918 a book drive was held and

over 300 books were collected for

the soldiers overseas.

In 1900 there were 1,435 books

were on the shelves of the Merriam

Library, but when Abby retired more

than two decades later, the library

boasted over 6,300 volumes. The

Merriam family is memorialized in

the room that bears their name in

the rebuilt Auburn Public Library.

Outside of the library, Abby

was a staunch supporter of her

family. The 1910 census had her

living with her 88-year-old father,

who was still listed as a carpenter,

and widowed stepsister, Elizabeth

Darling. By 1920 her dad had

passed, but brother William was in

the household. Between 1920 and

1930 Abby moved to 23 Pakachoag

Street, which was originally built

by John Elder Between 1799-

1803 on land purchased from the

Chapin family. In 1907 Abby was

one of the charter members, along

with her sisters, of the General

Ebenezer Learned Oxford Chapter

National Society of the Daughters

of the American Revolution. She

also belonged to the Auburn’s

Women’s Club and the Bay Path

Library Club. She attended the

Auburn Congregational Church.

Abby passed away in May 1933 at

the age of 72 after a long illness.

Throughout her life Abby and

her family were avid supporters

of the Auburn Free Public Library

with donations of money and

books. Abby set high standards for

the library and with the help of the

Library Trustees during her tenure,

tried to impress upon the town’s

people the importance of their

library for the benefit of growth.

Next month the history of the

library from 1950 - 2000 (or present)

will be featured. The facts in

this article are from the Auburn

Historical Society & Museum, 41

South Street. The museum is open

Tuesday and Saturday mornings

9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. and may be

reached at auburnmuseum@verizon.net

or 508-832-6856.

Missed Parts 1 and 2?

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4 Goddard Drive, Auburn

Mon. and Fri. 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Tues., Wed., Thu. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

508-832-7799

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Mondays and Wednesdays -

Walking Club, both days at 9 a.m.

at Auburn Mall; Knit & Stitch,

Monday 10 -11:30 a.m.; Wednesday

9:30 -11 a.m.

Wednesdays - Tech Clinic (be

sure to check calendar) 11 a.m. –

12 p.m.; Pitch at

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Thursdays – Bingo at 12:45

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Fridays - Bridge 12:45 p.m.;

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Wednesdays - American Sign

Language at 1:30 p.m. No fee.

With Laurie McGarry and her

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communicate with ASL.

Fridays - Meditation class at

11 a.m. Free with Usha Verma;

Quilting – 12 p.m.

No experience necessary. We

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Exercise and Movement

Mondays at 10 a.m. Senior

Sweat $3 donation with Dr.

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strengthening. Also posture, coordination

and working essential

muscle groups.

Mondays at 11 a.m. Tai Chi $3

donation with George Chase, certified

instructor. Slow, rhythmic

patterns of movement.

Tuesdays and Thursdays -

Chair Dance at 10 a.m. with

Forty Arroyo, $3. Seated exercise

with upbeat music.

Tuesdays - Gentle Flow Yoga

at 11 a.m. with Angie Lavache,

certified fitness instructor. $3.

Slow-paced for strength, flexibility

and mobility.

Tuesdays – Classic Cardio Blast

at 1 p.m. with Angie Lavache.

Strength and cardio activities to

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improve health and fitness. $3

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Wednesdays and Fridays

Strength & Balance class at

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Strengthen and tone your body.

iPad Club Thursdays at 1 p.m.

No fee. Investigate the world of

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Mediation Class Fridays at 11

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Quilting Fridays at 12 p.m. No

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AUBURN SENIORS

continued on page 5

Community Resource

Dog – Meet Cooper

The Oxford Police Department is proud and excited to announce

the departments first ever Community Resource Dog Program.

Officer Heather Picking is a 10 plus year veteran officer who

puts community first. She can be seen on the day shift, always with a

smile on her face, and always looking to engage with the citizens of

this great community.

The CRD is going to be a huge asset to the Town of Oxford, the Police

Department, the schools and most importantly the citizens. Since

before Chief Daniels took the reins of OPD he has stood by his word

of “Community First.” This is a prime example.

Officer Picking did a ton of research of different dog breeders and

after a lot of searching found. The absolute perfect fit for our amazing

town and department. We look forward to working with Boonfield

Labradors for this amazing experience. The breeder will work with

Officer Picking to see which puppy in the litter best suits her personality,

so together they can serve the community here best.

We could go on and on about all of the positive this amazing puppy

will bring to Oxford, but for now let’s leave it at this, and let us prove

to you all how special it is going to be.

As always Oxford, your unwavering support has enabled us to be

what we are today.


AUBURN SENIORS


Chat with Auburn police

officers-Thursday, May 8. Join

our Auburn police officers for

lunch or a cup of coffee/dessert

at 12 p.m.

Grief & Loss Support Group –

Tuesday, April 15 at 1:30 p.m. Facilitated

by Metrowest Hospice.

Call 508-832-7799 to register.

Men’s Club – April 8 at 9 a.m.

Drop-in program.

Senator Moore’s Office Hours

– Wednesday, May 7 at 9:30 a.m.

Caregiver Support Group -

Monday, May 12 from 1-2:30

p.m. at the Senior Center

Veterans Agent Coffee Hour -

Wednesday, May 21 at 9 a.m.

SHINE (Serving the Health

Information Needs of Everyone)

is a state program that provides

free health information. If you

would like an appointment with

our SHINE counselor, Patrick

Morris, call the Senior Center at

508-832-7799.

Take a lesson on preparing

Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie)

on Tuesday, April 1 at 2 p.m.

Samples will be served! RSVP:

508-832-7799. No charge, limit of

15 people

Planning for Medicare -

Wednesday, April 9 at 1 p.m. Led

by a BC/BS of Massachusetts

representative. Call 508-832-7799

to reserve a seat.

Lori Brooks singer and guitar

player entertains on Monday

April 14 at 1 p.m. Call if you plan

to attend.

Grief and Loss Support Group

-Tuesday, May 20 at 1:30 p.m. call

to reserve a seat.

The Auburn Senior Center and

the WRTA offer a transit service

for the residents of Auburn who

are age 60 and over and for people

with disabilities of all ages.

This is a shared ride service that

will pick you up at your home.

The van may make stops to pick

up/drop off other passengers

while you are on the way to your

destination. Call the WRTA to

set up an account and schedule

service at 508-752-8283.

Flower Arranging with Sam’s

Stems on Wednesday, May &

Free for the first 16 people

who register, based on a first

come, first served basis. Supported

in part by the Auburn

Cultural Council. Includes

flowers and materials. Step by

step instruction, Perfect for all

skill levels. Call 508-832-7799 to

register.

Afternoon Tea on Monday,

May 12 at 1 p.m. Fancy hats

welcomed! Join us for a tea and

etiquette program with Carol

McGuiggan M.A., Etiquette Consultant.

Reservations required by

May 6.

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red, white and blue craft event.

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BY JANET STOICA


Do you know anyone who’s

stayed at their job for more

than five years? If you

do, these people are the exception.

Most young graduates tend

to be job jumpers seeking job

satisfaction quickly or they’re

out. However, if you have a job

that you love, it’s not really a job

after all, is it? You’re just lovin’

it. For myself, writing articles,

stories, texts, and letters is, for

the most part, fun and enjoyable.

I came to write for newspapers

15 years ago when the editor of a

local publication was looking for

writers. My bachelor’s degree is

in Business Administration but it

should have been in journalism!

Even though I had never written

professionally before, she asked

me to write a few samples for

her. Apparently, she liked what I

wrote as here I am 15 years later.

I’ve had a few or more jobs in my

life with one in particular that

was a winner for sure.

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I was working at a manufacturing

company (let’s call them

company A) as a sales administrator

for several years and when

my manager was terminated,

I was called upon to make a

presentation to a medium-sized

out-of-town corporation (company

B) for one of the products we

manufactured. I took this very

seriously and prepared my sales

materials with the help of my

production manager, purchasing

manager, etc.

After my presentation and after

company B’s visiting president

and vice president had departed

with promises for follow-up

and a possible sale (after all, no

sale is ever final until that sales

agreement is signed), I received a

phone call from company B’s vice

president offering me a job and

asking if I would like to work for

them.

I was totally blown away and

had never experienced a job offer

in this way before. I was on

cloud nine for several days while

I mulled over my final decision.

I enjoyed making the sales

presentation to the prospective

customer and also considered the

pros and cons of accepting that

new position. I told the VP that

I’d have a decision in a week and

did they have any questions about

my product presentation? The

VP advised me that they’d like to

go forward with the sale and that

I should prepare the sales agreement

documentation.

The sale was signed, sealed,

and delivered in two days with

my visit to company B’s offices

leaving with a deposit check in

my hand. Three days later, I had

also negotiated a company B employment

offer with a substantial

salary increase and had given my

two-weeks’ notice to company A.

After several months with

company B, I realized that I had

made the biggest mistake of my

employment life. The first few

weeks of my employment were

filled with factory tours, product

immersion, and customer backgrounds.

I soon realized that

my job was purely a quota fill

for having more women on their

staff as my responsibilities were

almost non-existent. I also saw

that there were no other women

managers in the organization. In

meetings, whenever I was asked

for product suggestions or other

comments which I willingly offered,

there was lots of head nodding

and thank you’s given for my

ideas, but not one of my suggestions,

no matter how minor, was

ever implemented. I felt useless.

It was as if my job entailed sitting

at my desk, smiling, and answering

the few phone calls that came

my way. I was bored beyond

belief. I couldn’t wait for my days

to end, it was pure agony to even

drive to work.

One day, in my 30-something

year old life, I saw and heard an

exchange between the owner and

his production manager. The

office I sat in was surrounded by

a half-wall of glass to the ceiling.

The outside cavernous hallway

leading to the production area

was clearly visible from my desk.

As I hung up from one of the rare

phone calls I received, I saw and

heard the owner and his production

manager in the hallway

having a heated disagreement.

Heavy profanity-laced words and

phrases were flying and echoing

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off the hallway walls like bullets.

Wicked phrases, the likes of

which I had never heard, were

enough to make me wonder if

both men had gone mad. After

this five-minute spectacle that

seemed like forever, they walked

into the manufacturing area

continuing their ranting as their

spit flew and eyeballs bulged. I

was incredulous. In all the previous

jobs I’d held, I’d never seen a

more unprofessional and degrading

form of disagreement. I knew

immediately that this company

was definitely not for me.

I had met a consultant at

company B whom I had known

from a previous employer. He

had been hired by them to offer

suggestions to improve sales into

new areas. We had many talks

about this company’s future, its

management, and how I did not

feel that I fit into their management

style. Between the wellrespected

consultant and myself,

we came to a tentative solution

of my employment dilemma. I

would have a sit-down meeting

with the vice president who had

hired me with the consultant at

my side. It was done. I expressed

to them that I felt I had made an

error in accepting the position.

A cloud immediately came over

the face of the vice president and

he expressed his dismay that they

had not fulfilled my job expectations

and indicated that he would

speak with the owner/president

and would get back to me the

next day.

The following day I was presented

with an offer I could not

refuse. I was given a three-month

full-pay severance package

complete with medical insurance,

longer if needed, along with the

use of the retired executive vice

president’s private corner office

complete with computer, printer/

fax, phone, etc. and anything else

I needed for my new job search.

I could come and go as I pleased.

What? Who does that? Where

was I, on another planet? Well,

I did find a new position within

the three-month timeframe and

learned a huge lesson in life…

…..a big paycheck does not mean

that the job will be fulfilling. I

felt like the luckiest person in

the world to have had such a

generous departing gift from the

company that wanted to fill its

quota of women-on-board. They

could have just terminated me

and even though they were a wild

and crazy group, they finally had

treated me with respect with a

sharp eye on employment laws.


Independent Bookstores Day Celebrates

its 12th Anniversary

Annual Indie Bookstore event celebrated on April 26, 2025

Booklovers’ Gourmet in Webster

is happy to announce

its participation in the 12th

Anniversary of Independent

Bookstore Day!

The shop will have several

exclusive items for sale and as

giveaways, including specialized

tote bags, exclusive signed books,

posters & more. There will be refreshments,

raffle prizes, a scavenger

hunt for free audiobooks

and activities such as bookstore

bingo.

“It’s really a time to put indie

bookstores back in the center of

the story. Indie Bookstore Day

is a way to say thank you to our

loyal and supportive customers.”,

according to Deb Horan, owner

of Booklovers’ Gourmet, who

also celebrated 30 years in business

this month.

Independent Bookstore Day

(Indie Bookstore Day) was

established in 2013 to promote,

celebrate, and highlight the value

of the Independent bookstore

community. The day has been

observed on the last Saturday of

April every year since 2013. This

year there are over 1,200 stores

participating across the country.

Independent Bookstore Day is

organized by the American Booksellers

Association, a national

not-for-profit trade organization,

that works with booksellers and

industry partners to ensure the

success and profitability of independently

owned book retailers,

and to assist in expanding the

community of the book.

Sheriff Says Spring “Smishing”

Scams Surge

Worcester County Sheriff

Lew Evangelidis is warning

residents about a recent

wave of “smishing” scams targeting

cell phones across Massachusetts.

Smishing, a combination of “SMS”

(short message service) and “phishing,”

involves scammers sending

fraudulent text messages with website

links to residents’ cell phones.

According to the Federal Communications

Commission (FCC),

a typical smishing scam message

may appear to be from your bank

or another trusted organization.

These messages often contain a link

or phone number designed to entice

you to click or call. If you engage

with these messages, you risk

falling victim to the scam. Once

you interact with the scammers,

they may manipulate your personal

information, which they can sell or

use for further scams. Additionally,

“smishers” may try to lure you into

downloading malware onto your

personal electronic devices.

Recent reports state that the following

scams have been identified:

• **MassDOT Toll Scam**: In

this scam, individuals receive a

notification, often via email or

text, claiming that they’re being

contacted regarding unpaid highway

tolls. The text may demand

payment via fake payment links or

phone numbers.

• **USPS Undeliverable Package

Scam**: In this scam, individuals

receive a notification, often via

email or text, claiming that a package

sent through the United States

Postal Service (USPS) could not be

delivered. The message typically

includes a link to resolve the issue,

which leads to phishing sites designed

to capture sensitive personal

and financial information.

• **One-Ring Scam**: This scam

involves receiving a phone call that

rings only once or twice before

hanging up. When victims return

the call, they are connected to a

premium-rate number, resulting in

high charges that are billed to their

phone. Many area code numbers

used in this scam are international,

leading to significant unexpected

charges on victims’ phone bills.

“Residents need to beware of any

unsolicited calls that ask for their

personal or financial information,”

commented Sheriff Evangelidis.

“These callers can sound convincing,

may be aggressive, and try to

intimidate you with threats of jail

time or steep fines. We encourage

anyone who gets a suspicious call

to hang up and contact their associated

institutions directly to verify

any requests.”

Finally, Worcester County

Sheriff Lew Evangelidis is issuing

a warning to residents regarding

a “spoofing” phone scam involving

the Sheriff ’s Office. The phone

scammer poses as an employee of

the Sheriff ’s Office and informs the

victim that they have an arrest warrant,

charges filed in their name,

or missed jury duty. The scammer

then demands payment of a fine to

avoid being arrested and serving

jail time.

Sheriff Evangelidis says, “In general,

if you do not initiate contact

and an unknown caller is requesting

money or making threats of

arrest or loss of utilities, it’s likely

a scam.”

The Worcester County Sheriff

’s Office encourages people to

be aware of text and phone call

scams like this and to never give

personal or financial information

to an unknown number soliciting

payments. For more information

on the Worcester County Sheriff ’s

Office, please visit worcestercountysheriff.com.

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SPORTS

Oxford Numbers Moving Up

BY CHRISTOPHER TREMBLAY,

STAFF SPORTS WRITER

Oxford head coach Chris Pietro

and his father James have

been part of the Pirates track

team for the past eight years. When

they first joined the program they

had a total of 12 athletes, but over

the years the athletes started to

come out in larger numbers. Each

year, the program continues to

expand and this year, although

Oxford will be on the younger

side, they are posting their largest

grouping of athletes (33) since the

Pietros have been at the helm.

“We have a lot of newer guys to

the sport this year; they are learning

and trying to figure out their

niche,” Chris Pietro said. “Hopefully

by the end of the season we’ll

find where they fit in; it’s an ongoing

process, but we’ll figure it out.”

Senior co-captains Nate Davis

and Aidan Van Arsdelan will look

to help the Pietros guide this team

throughout the year and into the

post-season.

Davis participates in the 200,

400 and long jump, where in the

first meet of the season he looks

to be ready for his final campaign

with the Oxford track team.

“Nate opened the season with a

20’ 2” jump right out of the gate,”

the coach said. “Now we’re hoping

that he can build upon that and

eventually qualify for all three

events once again this year. Last

year, he finished outside of the top

10 in all three events and is looking

to push his way into a top eight

finish and medal.”

Arsdelan threw the javelin 148’

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last spring to earn his way into the

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was unable to take part in

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From left: Devyn Quashire, Cole LaMountain, Savior Aiguier, Aidan Van Arsdelan, Nate Davis and Kaius Monson.

through the season he hurt a ligament

in his elbow and the rest of

his season was scratched. Coming

into this spring he is looking

to take it slowly as he builds back

up; he wanted to open the season

with a throw of at least 120’ and

improve upon that throw with each

meet.

Once he feels Arsdelan is comfortable

with his javelin throwing,

Pietro would like to get the senior

involved in some running events.

He is unsure of which events as of

yet, but he’ll worry about that once

the senior is up to speed with his

original event.

Junior Kaius Monson is making

his return to track this season after

a two-year hiatus away from the

sport. When he walked away he

left to focus fully on his football

career. Monson will be hurling the

discus and shot put for the Pirates

this year. In the team’s first meet he

grabbed first place in both events

with a throw of 95’ in the discus

and 39’ 10” in the shot put. In addition

to being a huge asset to the

team Pietro anticipates he’ll only

get better as times goes by.

Although the Pirates are boosting

their largest numbers in years,

the squad is made up of a lot of

younger athletes that should bring

Oxford into the future. Sophomore

Cole LaMountain is an all-around

athlete that is very versatile when

it comes to which event the Coach

can use him in. During the first

meet LaMountian took first place

in the high jump and should see

some action in the 100 and 4x100

relay due to his extreme speed.

Freshman Devyn Quashire, like

LaMountian is another football

player, looking to use his power

to throw the shot put and discus.

According to the Coach, he has a

great work ethic and is someone to

keep an eye on in the future of the

sport.

One other younger athlete that

will sit up for the Pirates this spring

will be sophomore Savior Aiguier.

The second-year student gives

Pietro another versatile individual

that he can use in just about any

event. So far he is participating in

the long jump, where he finished

second in his first meet and also

took third in the javelin with a

throw of 113’.

“Savior shocked me at practice

one day when he just decided to

pick up the javelin and throw it,”

Pietro said. “He is also a speedster

and will take part in the 100 and

4x100.”

Having a younger team may take

some time to adjust and learn the

different events, but in time Pietro

knows he will have a solid team

with a foundation.

“This year I would be totally

happy if we were able to go .500

while being competitive in a lot of

our meets,” he said. “I really think

that we’ll be competitive the entire

year and hoping that we can have

7 or 8 athletes qualify for the State

Tournament.”

The Oxford coach is also looking

for his team to finish around fifth

or sixth in the 12 team Southern

Worcester County League. If the

squad can build upon their first

meet they should be able to accomplish

all of the coaches goals by the

time the season ends.


TALES FROM BEYOND

Foss Hill Cemetery

BY THOMAS D’AGOSTINO

Foss Hill, located on a knoll

in Middletown Connecticut’s

Weslayan University, has a

unique site not seen in most facilities

of higher education. Nestled

between the Van Vleck Observatory

and the Nicolson and West

College dormitories sits a small

graveyard. The burial ground was

not there when the college was

founded but instead, put there for

the specific purpose of burying

the university’s teachers, staff and

scholars who wished to be an

eternal part of the institution. The

graveyard is quite intriguing and

to some, quite scary.

It was originally called “Weslayan’s

God’s Acre” when the university

was a Methodist college. The

cemetery was considered by the

early founders a place for students

to reflect on nature, their role in

the history of the facility and the

future of things to come. What

started out in 1832 as a collection

of partridge trees for students

to study under, became in 1837,

the burial that now graces the

land. Since then, past presidents,

professors and students have been

interred in the small lot.

In August of 1925, Charles Collard

Adams, class of 1859, published

an article in the Weslayan

University Alumnus in regard to

the burial ground,

“An emotion of pathos is

experienced as one discovers that

twelve Weslayan students lie buried

in the college cemetery.”

The first interment took place

in 1837 with most recent in 1980.

Among the 40 or so graves are the

university’s first president, Wilbur

Fisk, and third president, Stephen

Olin, their families, two members

of the original faculty, two

early trustees, faculty sons and

daughters who died in childhood,

several students who died while

on campus, and several alumni.

One corner contains several burials

of students who died in 1918

and 1923, a few of them foreign

students from China.

Of the many stories that circulate

about the burial ground and

it being haunted includes a tidbit

of television history. Joss Whedon,

class of 1987, lived in the West

College Up-Four dormitory overlooking

the burial yard. He would

later go on to create the famous

series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Popular belief is that the small

graveyard became an inspiration

for his creation.

Another story tells of students

digging up the bodies in

the 1960s, but leaving the burial

markers. Because of this legend,

the lot is sometimes called the

cemetery with no bodies. The

claim is mostly unfounded, but

the fact that the spirits of those

who were buried there still remain

has become quite established.

Students tend to avoid walking

through the graveyard, especially

after the sun has set below the

horizon and darkness blankets

the campus. A popular sentiment

is that the spirits of the burial

ground do not like anyone cutting

through their final resting place.

This is probably an aftermath of

former students cutting a well

worn path past the graves over the

centuries. Many feel the presence

of the spirits in the Foss Hill

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graveyard lingering about them

as they pass through its confines,

especially around Halloween

when the veil between the living

and the dead is at its thinnest. One

student claimed that the ghost of a

Civil War veteran tried to proposition

her while she was passing by

his grave one night. She made a

comment in regard to the lack of

“politeness of its occupants.” The

aforementioned Mr. Adams had

an encounter with a few of the

eternal tenants buried there. According

to his account,

“I was drawn to the college

cemetery where I was in communion,

as it were, with the spirits of

Fisk and Olin.”

Another legend is that of the

Weslayan Grim Reaper who

haunts the graveyard looking for

those who wander through its

confines at a certain time of the

year when the veil is thin and

his ability to reap a soul is more

powerful than usual. It may be

a legend, but it is still told when

tours are given where the stories

are brought to life. Whether they

are wholly accurate or not, may

be a matter for you, the reader to

decide.

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LIVING WITH LUKE

amyleclaire@hotmail.com

Luke’s Spots Remain

BY AMY LECLAIRE

I’m not only a dog person, but

also an animal person. I love

the winged and fringed, the

clawed and pawed, the burly and

curly, and the whiny and tiny of

creatures. Animals are fascinating.

Have you ever noticed how

certain animals seem to match

our personalities? Some of us

possess the free spirit of a bird

and, others, the fearlessness of

a lion. Some hold the luck of

a ladybug, while others sting

like a scorpion. The idiom that

a leopard can’t change its spots

pertains to the belief that people

are unlikely to change their fundamental

characteristics. What

about the chameleon, who thrives

in many colors? Animals teach

us about behavior, adaptation,

survival and instinct.

Luke, also an animal person,

has fallen in love with the guinea

pig.

“I know they’re here. This way.

Hurry up.” Leashed and ecstatic,

he pulls me towards the glass

case at the back wall of the pet

store. The guinea pigs are reliably

present. Luke stares through the

window of their cluttered living

room and smiles. One guinea pig

nestles inside of a tube. “Woo

woo!” Luke is annoyed that he

hides, but not for long.

“Who are you?” His nose

twitches. “What are you?” A

guinea pig with bed head pops up

as though to announce spring.

“I’m Luke, of the dog species,

a pedigree golden retriever with

a thirst for knowledge.” His dimpled

smile is curious yet calm.

He wants to keep things casual

and check out the behavior of the

Northeast guinea pig. Bed Head,

satisfied, skitters to his water

bottle and nibbles at a small pipe.

Luke startles to the movement

then freezes, on guard. Clearly, he

is unaware of the disparity of size

between them. “Bro, you move

fast.” Deep indents crease his

leonine head and face. His ears

lift like miniature tents. His concentration

to learn, to question

and analyze runs deeper than a

scientist’s. “Look how tiny their

hands are, Luke!” I egg him on

though, truthfully, I take the time

to respond to text messages on

my phone. I feel like a Dog Mom

using the hamster tank as a Daycare

provider. I look up from my

phone. No change. Luke fixates

on the guinea pigs with a loving

smile. I imagine them in my yard

together. Luke would never catch

a rodent on the run, much less

study one. Allowing him a few

minutes to soak up a rare opportunity

seems responsible.

“Well, hello there.” A pet store

boss wearing a blue vest appears.

I presume he thinks otherwise.

Is it against store policy for a dog

to stare at a guinea pig? “Let’s go,

Luke.” I decide to cut our rejec-

LUKE

continued on page 11

Aaron Lewis And The Stateliners to Perform At Indian Ranch

Aaron Lewis and The Stateliners

are bringing their

American As It Gets Tour to

Indian Ranch in Webster on Sunday,

August 24, 2025. This is the

band’s first time on the road together

in five years.Aaron Lewis,

the Vermont-born powerhouse

first found success with Staind –

the 2000s-era hard rockers who

injected meditative muscle into

an era better known for mindless

aggression. But while that band is

still very much alive, it was never

enough to satisfy Lewis’ creative

drive. Embracing his roots

to earn a rare second round of

success, a series of solo Country

projects have led to two No. 1

Billboard Country Album debuts

– TOWN LINE (2011) and SIN-

NER (2016) – plus a PLATINUM

collab with heroes George Jones

and Charlie Daniels (“Country

Boy”), and a GOLD-certified Billboard

No. 1 with “Am I The Only

One” in 2021. Lewis’ 2022 solo album

followed suit, with FRAYED

AT BOTH ENDS emerging as

the best-selling Country album

in America but he never wrote

songs for the stats. No matter the

sonic setting, Lewis writes and

sings to get his truth out and his

latest album THE HILL (2024) is

no different.

Indian Ranch offers music

lovers a chance to see some of

the greatest country, classic rock

and pop bands steps from Lake

Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg.

Nestled

between pine trees, the amphitheater

offers the ability to see

the stage from anywhere in the

audience. More than a concert

venue, Indian Ranch opened

Samuel Slater’s Restaurant and is

also home to the Indian Princess

paddlewheeler and Indian Ranch

Campground.

Tickets for Aaron Lewis and

The Stateliners on Sunday,

August 24, 2025 are on sale now.

Gates open at 11:30 AM and

showtime is 1:00 PM. Tickets are

available online at www.indianranch.com,

by calling 1-800-

514-ETIX (3849) or at the Indian

Ranch Box Office. All events are

rain or shine. No refunds. Indian

Ranch is located at 200 Gore

Road in Webster, MA outside of

Worcester and less than an hour’s

drive from Boston, Providence,

Hartford and Springfield. Visit

www.indianranch.com.


REAL ESTATE

Do You Think the Housing

Market’s About To Crash?

Read This First!

Lately, it feels like a lot of people

have been asking the same

question: “Is the housing market

about

to crash?”

If you’ve

been

scrolling

through

social

media or

watching

the news,

you might

BY MARK MARZEOTTI

LUKE


have seen

some

pretty

scary headlines yourself. That’s why

it’s no surprise that, about 70% of

Americans are worried about a

housing crash in 2025. But before

you hit pause on your plans to buy

or sell a home, take a deep breath.

The truth is: the housing market

isn’t about to crash – it’s just shifting,

and that shift actually works in

your favor.

Today’s Inventory Keeps the

tion losses. I tug on the leash, but

he resists. “I just want to watch

her come out of the little shed.

One more minute.” Luke isn’t a

kid in a candy store. He’s a dog

obsessed with a guinea pig. I’m

about to say, “My dog is a bit

weird. He loves to learn about

other animals.”

Instead, I’m in luck. Blue Vest

tosses me a bone.

“His name is Luke? —what a

great name. He’s awfully curious.”

His acceptance shines down on

me. I think about past rules.

“I’m sorry, but we don’t allow

dogs.”

“Did you see the sign?”

“No dogs allowed, unfortunately.”

Dogs are honored by the privilege

to care for humans. A dog

will elevate, sooth, support, heal,

rescue and understand a person.

A dog will sacrifice his/her own

life for a person.

“What a great store this is,” I

say back with a sniffle.

“Come here, buddy.” A good

man lures Luke to his lap and

gives him a head rub. Luke licks

his hand and chin. “Thank you

for accepting me. You smell so

good, kind of like a crunchy

milk bone.” Then he returns to

Mission Possible for the longest

guinea pig stare ever recorded.

“Are you familiar with our

App? It doesn’t cost anything and

allows you to see all our good

deals.” The question comes out of

nowhere. Loading another App

on my phone feels heavier than

the sixty-five passwords I haven’t

written down. “An App? Um…”

I stammer, “No, I haven’t done

that.”

Housing Market from Crashing.

Economists are saying, there’s

just generally not enough supply.

There are more people than

housing inventory. It’s Econ 101.

Think about it. If there’s a shortage

of something – like tickets to

a popular concert – prices go up.

That’s what’s been happening with

homes. We still have a shortage of

supply. Too many buyers and not

enough homes push prices higher.

Even though the number of homes

for sale is climbing, data from Realtor.com

shows we’re still well below

normal levels.

That ongoing low supply is

what’s stopping home prices from

dropping at the national level.

Again, economists are saying “…

if there’s a shortage, prices simply

cannot crash.”

More homes for sale means

price growth Is easing, and, as

more homes become available, that

takes some of the intense upward

pressure off home price growth –

leading to healthier price appreciation.

So, while prices aren’t falling

nationally, growing inventory

means they also aren’t rising as fast

as they were. What we’re seeing is

price moderation and that moderation

should continue through

the rest of this year. In 2025, you

should expect the pace of house

price appreciation to moderate

from the levels seen in 2024, while

still maintaining a positive track.

Put simply, that means prices will

continue going up in most areas,

just not as quickly. That’s good

news for anyone who’s been having

trouble finding a home and feeling

sticker shock from the rapid price

appreciation of the past few years.

But of course, what’s happening

with prices and inventory is going

to vary by local market. So, talk to

The Marzeotti Group or another

trusted agent to find out what’s

happening where you live. Don’t

let the talk scare you. Experts agree

that a housing market crash is

unlikely in 2025.

“It will only take three minutes.”

I gaze down at Luke. He has

three hours, thanks to the man

with the blue vest who did not try

to change his spots.

“I’d be happy to do that,” I say

back.

It takes a village to care for a

dog.

Visit Luke at IG

livingwithlukevalentino

Write to Amy

amyleclaire@hotmail.com

65 Southbridge Street

Auburn, MA 01501

774-230-3500 • 508-943-6960

sandigrzyb@aol.com

Maribeth Marzeotti

REALTOR®, GRI, SRES

Marzeotti Group

MBMarzeotti@LamacchiaRealty.com

(508) 864-8163

www.MarzeottiGroup.net

945 W Boylston Street

Worcester, MA 01606

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Low mileage, low use battery – who to blame when it dies?

Q.

I

issue I have with a 2024

have a question for you

concerning a warranty

Audi Q5 Sportback. My wife purchased

this car May of 2024. As

of this date the car has 2200 miles

on it. I went away for six days and

upon returning the battery was

dead. Nothing was left on. The

car was taken to the dealership

and looked at. I received a call

from a service rep stating that

since I do not drive the vehicle

enough, that was the cause of the

battery failure. I was told I did

not properly maintain the battery

by not driving enough and

leaving the vehicle for six days. I

read the manual backwards and

forward and it stated that if the

vehicle is left for over one month

it is recommended to periodically

charge the battery. Nothing

further. Everyone I have spoken

to says that is the most ridiculous

thing they have ever heard. I was

responsible for a new battery at a

cost of $850. I read your articles

religiously and value your expert

opinion.

A.

The dealer is sort of correct.

What happens is

every time you start the

car you take away some charge

out of the battery. Years back we

would say it takes about seven

miles of driving to recharge the

battery after each start. With

today’s computer-controlled cars,

it probably takes longer. And

today the charging profile with

many cars, may not even charge

the battery at certain times to

improve fuel economy. I recommend

that drivers should try to

drive (not just run) their cars for

30 minutes each week. You might

want to consider if you park in

a garage a battery maintainer to

keep the battery fully charged.

Many people use these maintainers

with sports cars that only get

driven periodically. Today’s cars

have so many computers that

stay on retaining memory, the

batteries work hard and are the

most important part of the car’s

electrical system. Saying you did

not maintain the battery is a bit

of a stretch and a little insulting.

A fully charged battery should

allow the car to start even after

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weeks of sitting. But the short

distance or lack of driving is what

slowly discharges even the best

battery.

Q.

The dealer recommended

that I replace the lower

front control arms on my

2015 Mazda6 because the ball

joint seals are cracked. Would

replacing just the ball joints at

much lower cost be a satisfactory

alternative or would it be pennywise

and pound foolish?

A.

The ball joints are pressed

into the control arms and

Mazda does not sell the

ball joint separately. That being

said, the aftermarket does sell

the pressed-in ball joint. It is sort

of a tradeoff; more labor to save

the control arm or less labor and

replace the entire assembly. As

a side note, the dealer finding

cracked boots, is interesting.

Most will just ignore it until the

ball joints start to wear from water,

sand and salt contamination.

Q.

Could you recommend a

headlight refinish kit to

clear oxidized and yellowed

headlight lens? How long

does this last before it needs to be

redone?

A.

I have had the best luck

with the Sylvania Headlight

restoration system.

To restore the headlights requires

a bit of “elbow grease” but

of all the products I have tried

the Sylvania kit seems to have

the longest lasting results.

Q.

I

or fully electric. If you

am looking at a small

SUV, perhaps a hybrid

had to pick three vehicles what

would they be?

A.

As a hybrid the Honda

CR-V is quite good. The

fuel economy is estimated

at 43 MPG city and 36 MPG

highway. The Hyundai Tucson

plug in (PHEV) has a 33 mile

electric range and total range of

420 miles with MPG rating combined

of 35 MPG. The Chevrolet

Equinox all electric is a good performer,

priced very competitively

and has a range in the FWD

model of 319

miles.

Q.

How

can

I tell

if my valve

cover gasket

on my

Volkswagen BY JOHN PAUL

Eos needs

replacement as the dealer suggests?

I don’t see any drippage,

but I do see a very small amount

of what I think is probably called

seepage. It has looked like that

for more than a year. Is there any

additive or spray that would be

an alternative to replacing a valve

cover gasket?

A.

No additives or spray,

and the leak won’t get any

better by itself, but it may

never get worse. If this were my

9-year-old car, I would go with

as some doctors call it watchful

waiting. Just check on the oil leak

at every oil change and see how

it is doing. As a sort of additive,

you could also try High-Mileage

oil on your next oil change. The

high-mileage oil has additives

that help slow seal/gasket leaks.

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TIPS ON FINANCIAL PLANNING

dennis.antonopoulos@edwardjones.com

How should you respond to tariffs?

The Trump Administration has

announced tariffs on trade

with other countries. While

there has been a lot of uncertainty

as to how these policies will evolve,

it's generally agreed that tariffs can

be inflationary,

and

they have

also sparked

volatility in

the financial

markets.

How should

BY DENNIS

ANTONOPOULOS

you respond

to tariffs —

as a consumer

and an

investor?

As a consumer…

•Review your budget. If you’re

worried that higher prices will

put stress on your cash flow, look

for ways to cut costs, perhaps by

eating out less often or eliminating

streaming services you no longer

use. Look for items that could

easily be swapped for cheaper

alternatives, like generics for brand

names. You may even be able to

get a better deal from your cable or

internet providers, just by asking.

• Build or replenish an emergency

fund. It’s typically a good idea to

have an emergency fund containing

three to six months’ worth of

living expenses in a liquid, low-risk

account. Usually, you’d want this

fund available to meet large, unexpected

expenses, such as a medical

bill or a new furnace. But with the

possibility of tariffs causing inflation

in some sectors, you might

also want your emergency fund

ready to handle price increases in

items such as car parts.

• Accelerate large purchases

susceptible to tariffs. If you’re

already planning on making a

large purchase, and you think the

price may be affected by tariffs,

you might want to act now, if you

can afford to do so. Some items

that may be susceptible to tariffs

include automobiles, smartphones,

and computers.

As an investor…

• Diversify. Tariffs may affect

some industries, such as automobiles

and consumer electronics,

more than others, such as healthcare

and pharmaceuticals. But

rather than making hasty “buy”

and “sell” decisions based on tariffs

and their possible effects, try to

build and maintain a diversified

portfolio containing a mix of

stocks, bonds and other securities.

Diversification is the best defense

against the market volatility caused

by tariffs — or, for that matter,

caused by any other factor. While

diversification cannot guarantee

a profit or protect against a loss,

but at any given time, some asset

classes may be up, or not hit as

hard as others. And if your portfolio

is heavily invested in an asset

going through a downturn, you’ll

likely take a much bigger hit than if

your dollars were spread across the

wide array of available investment

types.

• Keep following a long-term

strategy. Right now, tariffs are

certainly in the headlines as a

potentially disruptive force in the

financial markets. But there have

always been such forces — wars,

natural disasters, political turmoil,

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and so on — and while they have

caused volatility for a while, the

markets regained its footing, sooner

or later. And the most successful

investors were the ones who stayed

the course throughout the disruptive

events, rather than jumping

out of the market until things

cooled down. This doesn’t mean

you should never make changes in

response to market conditions — at

times, you may need to adjust your

portfolio somewhat. But by following

a long-term strategy based on

your risk tolerance, time horizon

and financial goals, you’ll be better

equipped to cope with market

gyrations.

Tariffs can lead to uncertainties

in the financial world. But by

thinking carefully about how you

might respond, you can bring more

clarity to your own situation.

This article was written by

Edward Jones for use by your local

Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Please contact Dennis Antonopoulos,

your local Edward Jones Advisor

at 5 Albert Street, Auburn, MA

01501 Tel: 508-832-5385 or dennis.

antonopoulos@edwardjones.com.

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Happenings!

NOTE: Community bulletin board-type

items are welcome for inclusion in the Happenings!

section of the Xpress newspapers.

Please allow enough lead time for publication.

Email your calendar or event notice to

news@theyankeexpress.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 26

• The Manchaug Pond Foundation will

hold its Annual Spring Lake & Watershed

Cleanup in Sutton from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Meet at the state Public Access Boat Ramp,

Torrey Road, Sutton. Volunteers with boats

are welcome to help clean up coves. No one

is required to stay for the duration of the

clean-up. Safety vests, gloves and garbage

bags provided.

• Millbury Yard Sale: A Grass Hill School

Yard Sale will be held from 10 a.m. – 2

p.m. at Grass Hill School, West Main Street,

Millbury. Household goods, antiques and

Millbury Historical Society merchandise.

Stop in and see the changes and improvements

to the Grass Hill School. Proceeds to

benefit the Historical Society’s programs

and plans.

SUNDAY, APRIL 27

• New England Country Music Club Dances

at the Progressive Club, 18 Whitin Street,

Uxbridge. Live band “Borrowed Time” at the

New England Country Music Club Dance,

Progressive Club, 18 Whitin Street, North

Uxbridge. Doors open at 12:15 p.m., music

1-5 p.m. $11 for non-members. Doors open

at 12:15 p.m. Music plays 1-5 p.m. Snacks

may be brought in, cash bar for beverages.

• Little Bank Day in Grafton: The Grafton

Historical Society is planning the third

Little Bank Day at Mill Village Park, 61 Main

Street, South Grafton from 3 – 5 p.m..

Check out the interior of this small but

classically designed building and discover

the history of the bank that once served the

South Grafton Community of Mill workers

and their families. Grafton history books

and maps will be for sale. Bring the kids for

free pony rides and activities for all ages.

Costumed historical interpreters will be on

hand with a variety of non-electric items

plus special artifacts from our museum will

be on display. Stop by to hear some fascinating

stories about our town. Hear about

the times Charles Lindbergh landed in “The

Spirit of Saint Louis”. You’ll gain a new appreciation

for keeping history alive. This is a

fair-weather one-day event. In either event,

the Grafton Historical Society at 71 Main

Street, South Grafton will hold regular open

house hours from 2 – 4 p.m.

FRIDAY, MAY 2

• The Grafton Historical Society will hold its

Annual Business Meeting at the Post Office

Pub, 6 Ray Street, North Grafton. Social hour

starts at 5:30 p.m. and a dinner of house

salad, rolls and butter, herb roasted chicken,

oven baked haddock, green beans and

roasted red bliss potatoes will be served

at 6:15 p.m. Cash bar available. Coffee and

tea will be served for the business meeting.

At 8 p.m. we will recognize Jayne Carroll

Wilson and Joseph E. Kuras with awards for

outstanding commitment to keep Grafton’s

history alive. The cost of the dinner, tax and

American Legion

THURSDAY IS....

7:30pm-11pm

Chester P. Tuttle Post 279

By

Wise Guy

Trivia

7-9 PM!

Every Friday

Live Bands

Every Friday 7-10

April 25 -

Fender Road

88 Bancroft St., Auburn, MA 01501

$10 cover

charge for bands

unless receipt of same

day liquor and/or food

purchase from

the Tuttle.

tip is $50. Text 508-320-1173 or call 508-

839-0000. Checks may be mailed to Grafton

Historical Society, P.O. Box 218, Grafton MA

01519. Please include your name and a

contact number.

SATURDAY, MAY 3

• St. Patrick’s Church, 1 Cross Street, Whitinsville

will hold a recycling event from 8 a.m.

– 1 p.m. in the church parking lot. Paper

shredding 9 -11 a.m. only. Electronics and

shredding for a fee. Bottles & cans, clothing

and textiles, books and media are collected

without a fee. For more information, email

officesupport@mystpatricks.com

• Hummingbird Festival: The Hummingbird

Festival will take place at the Douglas

Common from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. This new

free event has been organized by the

Douglas Common Preservation Society,

Inc. and will offer live music, shopping

at 24 vendors offering unique specialty

items, activities for the kids (including face

painting), educational presentations about

hummingbirds, and delicious food from

Smash’d, KatieCakes,Douglas Orchard &

Farm and others!

Amir Ghazanfari, a biologist and naturalist

who has worked with Mass. Audubon

studying the State hummingbird population

since 2010, will be one of the guest

speakers. His half-hour presentation will be

at 10:30 am and again at 11:30 am. Topics

he will be speaking about include population,

nesting, migration, types, pollinator

importance, what plants attract them,

feeding information and more.

THURSDAY, MAY 8

• Visit the Business Expo from 5 – 8 p.m. at

Bay Path Regional Vocational High School,

57 Mugget Hill Road, Charlton. The event is

sponsored by the Charlton Business Alliance

ALL Are

Welcome!

Membership

Not Required!

Monday - Saturday: 11:00-1:00

Sunday: 11:30-close

Tiny Tim’s at the Tuttle

serving food Tues - Fri: 11:00-8:00; Sat. 4:00-8:00

Sunday - Monday the kitchen only is closed

Phone: (508) 832-2701

For Hall Reservations: (508)-721-5142

or email TinyTimsCatering@gmail.com

Featuring...

Karaoke every Saturday

from 8-11:00 pm

(CBA) and the Economic Development Commission.

There will be demonstrations and

door prizes. Vendors may register online

at charltonbusinessalliance.com

Book a 10’ x 10 ‘ space for $25 for current

CBA members and $50 for non-members.

Pay $125 to join CBA and also get a reserved

booth space. Join this unique opportunity

to introduce your business and the community

and other local businesses. The event is

free and open to the public.

FRIDAY, MAY 9

• Mendon/Upton Cub Scouts Pack 1 will

host a Comedy Night at the End Zone Sports

Pub, Mendon. Headliner is Mo Mussa, the

2021 winner of New England’s Funniest

Comedian and a finalist in the 2023 Boston

Comedy Festival. Show is for 18 years and

older. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased

at Mendon Imperial Gas and Country Store

or ggomes1113@ gmail.com or online

using Eventbrite. Show is 8-10 p.m. Doors

open at 7 p.m.

It’s

Happening

in

SATURDAY, MAY 10

• The Millbury First Congregational Church,

148 West Main Street, Millbury is sponsoring

a Flea Market and Craft Fair from 9 a.m.

to 2 p.m. Anyone wishing to reserve table

space, please call Jeri Stead 508-865-5371.

The $25 inside area consists of a large supper

table plus a card table. Inside tables can

be organized the night before. An outside

reservation is $15, and those chancing the

weather need to provide their own table.

“The Kitchen” will be selling refreshments

and at lunch time, hot dogs will be served.

There will also be a Bakery Table, and a

Church Flea Market Table .

• Open House and Reptile Show

The Touchtone Community School, 54

Leland Street, Grafton will hold an Open

House and Reptile Show from 9 – 11 a.m.

Experience reptiles from around the world!

Meet (and hold!) 15+ species, and learn

about their diets, defense mechanisms, and

conservation efforts to protect their natural

habitats. Discover how actions at home affect

global environments, and inspire your

child’s interest in environmental stewardship.

Ideal for ages 6 - 10. Limited Space.

Register to hold your spot: touchstoneschool.com/scalesandtales.

THURSDAY, MAY 15

• Historical Portrayals by Lady J presents “Farm

Girl on the Front Lines: Deborah Sampson’s

Secret” highlighting the story of this Patriot

woman who disguised herself as a male to

serve her young country. At 1 p.m. in the

Sutton Senior Center, 9 Hough Road, Sutton.

Presented by the Sutton Historical Society.

SATURDAY, MAY 17

• Join the 10th Annual Family Fun Fishing

Day at Riverbend Farm, 27 Oak Street,

Uxbridge from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fishing

goes until 1 p.m .with awards at 1:20 p.m.

There will be activities for the whole family

and food and ice cream will be available

for purchase from Joey D’s Wingz ‘n Thingz

and Sweet Wise Ice Cream Truck. All ages

and abilities welcome. Fishing poles, bait

and instruction will be available when you

pre-register. Participants are also welcome

to bring your home. Pre-registration opens

April 14 at thebrwa.org/familyfishing2025.

The event is free, but pre-registration is

required. Contact Joanne Holahan with any

questions at 508-278-5200. The rain date

is May 18.

• Annual Plant Sale: Sutton Garden Club’s

Annual Plant Sale will take place on Sutton

Common, 3 Uxbridge Road, Sutton, 10 a.m.

– 12 p.m. A variety of perennial plants and

other greenery from our gardens will be on

sale with payment by cash, check or Venmo.

A Silent Auction of donated items will be

located once again on the Bandstand. High

bidders do not need to be present at the

end of the Sale to win. Garden and gift

items crafted by SGC Members will also be

available for purchase.

HAPPENINGS!

continued on page 15

Now is the Time to Experience Nature

Over 100 choices beckon you outside in the

fresh air! Blossom with friends & family on

guided walks, hikes, pedals, paddles, runs,

events and more.

www.thelastgreenvalley.org

Delia’s Scavenger Hunt at the

Auburn Historical Museum

Delia and her Nonna have been

visiting the Auburn Historical

Society & Museum on Tuesdays

since September 2024. Delia

is three years old and enjoys doing

“I Spy” with Nonna. One visit

in March, Delia and Nonna had

the idea that maybe the museum

could do a picture scavenger hunt

for kids. Delia made a list of the

items she would like to see used in

the hunt and pictures were taken.

Now when Delia comes to visit

on Tuesdays, a sheet with pictures

awaits her. When she finds all the

items and draws a line under it,

she gets a prize. Delia would like

to share her scavenger hunt with

other children who come and visit

the Auburn Historical Society &

Museum on Tuesday and Saturday

from 9:30-Noon. Admission is free

and all are welcome to explore the

museum.

The Auburn Historical Society

& Museum, 41 South St., is open

Tuesday and Saturday mornings

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and may

be reached at auburnmuseum@

verizon.net or 508-832-6856 or

follow us on Facebook at Auburn

Historical.

- Helen Poirier, Auburn Historical

Society


HAPPENINGS!


This year, we are pleased to feature free

soil testing by the MA Master Gardeners

Association. For those interested in soil

testing, please note that samples must be

taken 3-4 days prior to the Plant Sale. For

more information, including proper soil

collection, visit -massmastergardeners.org/

educational-resources/soil-testing. A new

Membership Year for SGC starts in April and

there will be a Membership Table at the

Plant Sale for those interested in joining

the Club for our upcoming year of programs

and activities. Proceeds from the Plant Sale

fund our community efforts, including our

Scholarship Fund, plantings and maintenance

at the Bandstand and Manchaug

Square during the summer, decorations and

wreaths for the Bandstand and Commons

at Christmastime and also helps fund our

Gardening programs during the year.

Updates regarding the Plant Sale, including

any in case of severe weather, will be

posted on our Facebook page, facebook.

com/SuttonGardenClub.

SUNDAY, MAY 18

• The New England Country Music Club will

hold a dance with live classic country band

“Crossfire” at the Progressive Club, 18 Whitin

St., Uxbridge.

Doors open at 12:15, live music 1-5pm.

Snacks may be brought in, cash bar for

beverages.

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

• The Sutton Historical Society Inc. will host

the annual Town-Wide Yard Sale from 8

a.m. 1 p.m., rain or shine. The registration

fee is $10. Registration forms are available

at sutton1704.org and must be received

by Friday, May 30. Participants can either

set up at their home address or request

a spot at the M.M. Sherman Blacksmith

Shop, 6 Singletary Avenue, Sutton. Theo

society creates and distributes location

maps identifying all participating location

to assist visitors with locating all yard sales.

Send questions to sutton1704@gmail.com.

The Sutton Historical Society is a 501c3

organization.

Economy Canvas & Awning Co.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25

• Uxbridge Spartan Basketball is having a

one-time only golf fundraiser to raise money

for scoreboards at Hecla Street basketball

courts at Blissful Meadows, 801 Chocolog

Road, Uxbridge. The cost is $175 per golfer

or $400 for a foursome. Registration opens

at 8 a.m. Shotgun start at 9 a.m. Please

make checks payable to Uxbridge Spartan

Basketball Association, P.O. Box 386, North

Uxbridge, MA 01538. The organization is a

501c3 charity. Sponsor opportunities are

available: hole/tee sign $200; beverage

cart $500; or registration table $1000. You

can also register at https://tinyurl.com/

USBAGolf.

THIRD WEDNESDAY OF EACH

MONTH

• Coin Show at the VFW Post 1385, 13

Cross Road, Uxbridge, 3-7 p.m. Free

admission, free appraisals.

On April 5, 2025, the Town of Webster dedicated the newly constructed Rain Garden

at memorial Beach to Ernie Benoit. Ernie devoted his life to enjoying and preserving

Webster Lake, and the Rain Gaiden exemplifies his vision for protecting it. The Rain

Garden will catch the runoff coming from the Memorial Beach Driveway and stop it

from going into the lake.

Selectmen Earl Gabor stated the proclamation. Vice President of the WLA, Paul

Laframboise made a statement regarding he and Ernie being two of the founding

members of the WLA. Senator Ryan Fattman, who procured state funds for the Rain

Garden, gave a the Citation to Arlene Benoit, Ernie’s wife.

Pool Cover

Repairs

Over 34 years of service

in the community

Retractable & Stationary Awnings

Boat & Truck Covers and

Related Products

• Full Awning Service -

Installation, Removal & Cleaning

• Manufacture &

Repair All Canvas Products

115 Hamilton St., Southbridge, MA

508-765-5921

www.EconomyCanvasAndAwning.com

APRIL 25 APRIL 26

MAY 10 MAY 16

Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg

Souvenirs

Sweatshirts & Tees

Postcards

Hats • Jackets

Tervis Tumblers

Etched Glassware

“Images of America, Webster” book

508-943-4900 • 154 Thompson Rd., Webster, MA

shop online at www.websterlakegifts.com

Weekly Specials at Samuel Slater’s Restaurant

HAPPY HOUR

1/2 PRICE APPS:

WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS (4PM-6PM)

ONE PER PERSON MAX. PORTIONS MAY VARY.

CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS OR SPECIAL EVENTS.

BAR:

$5 BEER • $6 WINE • $7 COCKTAIL

THESE PRICES ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE. BAR OPTIONS ARE ROTATING.

PRIME RIB WEDNESDAYS

12oz plus

two sides

for

$25

STARTING AT 4PM • LIMITED TIME OFFER

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST • DINE-IN ONLY

MAY 23 MAY 24

MARGARITAVILLE CRUISE - MAY 29

COUNTRY DANCE PARTY KICKOFF CRUISE HOSTED BY CHUCK PERKS - MAY 31

100 FM THE PIKE 80’s AND LADIES NIGHT CRUISE HOSTED BY CHUCK PERKS - JUNE 21

MARGARITAVILLE CRUISE - JUNE 27 • MARGARITAVILLE CRUISE - JULY 18

100 FM THE PIKE SOCK HOP CRUISE – OLDIES 50’s AND 60’s HOSTED BY CHUCK PERKS - JULY 19

100 FM THE PIKE 90’s CRUISE HOSTED BY CHUCK PERKS - AUGUST 16

MARGARITAVILLE CRUISE - AUGUST 29

100 FM THE PIKE AWESOME 80’s CRUISE HOSTED BY CHUCK PERKS - SEPTEMBER 13

MARGARITAVILLE CRUISE - SEPTEMBER 19

100 FM THE PIKE BOOS CRUISE HOSTED BY CHUCK PERKS - OCTOBER 11

FOR FULL CRUISE SCHEDULE AND TICKETS VISIT WWW.INDIANRANCH.COM/CRUISES

CRUISING WEBSTER LAKE • 200 GORE ROAD, WEBSTER, MA

FOR MENUS, RESERVATIONS, TICKETS, AND MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.SAMUELSLATERS.COM

OVERLOOKING WEBSTER LAKE • 200 GORE ROAD, WEBSTER, MA


FOR ALL YOUR FUEL NEEDS

NEW BOILER INSTALLS

• Crown Boilers

• Williamson Furnaces

• Oil Tank Installs

Central air conditioning

and ductless mini splits

ALL NEW

INSTALLS COME WITH

A 3 YEAR PARTS

AND LABOR WARRANTY,

AS WELL AS THE

MANUFACTURERS

WARRANTY.

We do NOT

Sell Biofuel!

Which will help prevent

system breakdowns.

HELP WANTED -

Class B CDL driver with air brake, tanker and hazmat

endorsements. Must have DOT Medical Card.

EVERY BATTERY FOR EVERY NEED

COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS AVAILABLE

WE ARE MOVING! THIS SPRING!

to 6 JOHNSON ST.

(off Rte. 12, Auburn, MA

near Mattress Firm)

A Full Service Oil Company

24-Hour Emergency Service

WWW.LMTOIL.COM • WE DO ONLINE ORDERING

Al’s556 Central Turnpike, Sutton, MA 01590

Phone: (508) 865-4193

Website: www.alsrubbish.com

Al’s Rubbish Provides

•Dumpster Rental Services 7 Days

•All Rentals Include

Drop Off and Pick Up

•No Hidden Fees

•Estate Clean Outs

•Furniture/Appliance

•We Recycle

RUBBISH & CONTAINER

E-Mail: alsrubbish@gmail.com

Spring

Cleaning!

DUMPSTER

RENTAL SPECIAL!

SUTTON, MILLBURY, AUBURN,

OXFORD, WEBSTER, WHITINSVILLE,

NORTHBRIDGE and GRAFTON

10 yard $350

15 yard $450

20 yard $600

7 DAY RENTAL

FREE DROP

OFF AND

PICK UP!

JUNK CAR REMOVAL

508-865-4193 • WWW.ALSRUBBISH.COM

Support

Local Small

Business

The Yankee Xpress North April 25, 2025

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